Dec 19, 2016 By Rachel Basinger for The 2 min read

SCOTTDALE — Borough council members are considering allowing businesses that have a delivery service to rent a parking spot in front of their business.

Recently Jeff Wishart, the owner of JJ’s Pizza on Pittsburgh Street, approached members of council about the issue he has with where the delivery car can park.

Unlike other businesses in town, Wishart does not have any parking in the rear of his building. Parking far away from the business if no spots are open in the front is inconvenient, he said.

Solicitor Gary Falatovich has been working on a draft ordinance, and members of council recently discussed some things they would like to see in it.

The first point they are considering is that the ability to rent a parking space is only for those businesses that have a delivery service, such as the Scottdale Pharmacy or Miss Martha’s Floral.

Wishart said he approached council about his situation specifically but agreed that other businesses with delivery services should be allowed the same option.

“I’m not against other businesses with a delivery service to apply for a parking spot, but if you opened it up for all businesses, you’re opening a whole can of worms,” he said.

Borough Manager Angelo Pallone agreed, saying there would be the potential for no patron parking.

“It could possibly end up that all of that business’ employees would take the spots,” he said.

Second, the renting of a parking space would be on an annual basis at a cost of $480 per year, per space.

Another consideration is whether there should be a one-time application fee to cover the cost of putting up signage at the reserved parking space.

Council will also look at making the fine higher for anyone parking in the reserved space to deter that from occurring.

Falatovich will bring a new draft of the proposed ordinance to council at their next meeting, so it can be further discussed and, if possible, agreed upon for advertisement.

In other borough business, members of council accepted the resignation of three individuals from the parks and recreation committee, including Colleen Kenney, Heidi Jacquillard and Jason Ware. Tara Comforti was appointed with a term to expire on March 1, 2019.

Anyone interested in serving on the committee should send a letter of interest to Pallone at the borough office at 10 Mount Pleasant Road, Scottdale, PA 15683.